Tonic Collections

About Us

Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s award-winning Arts in Health programme.

Tonic Arts is a strategic programme within NHS Lothian Charity. It helps to improve and support the health and wellbeing of NHS Lothian staff, patients and visitors through the provision of high quality arts and creativity.

In partnership with NHS Lothian, specialist arts organisations and cross-sector partners, Tonic Arts has developed programmes of art and design commissions, art collection provision, changing exhibitions, artist residencies, participatory arts activities and performances across Edinburgh and the Lothians, UK.

Established international evidence confirms the important role creativity plays within the healthcare context, enriching the healthcare experience for all; saving resources and improving patient experience by reducing the need for pain medication, shortening length of stay, reducing anxiety and depression and improving patient and staff morale.

Meet the Team

The Tonic Arts team works with freelance and partner Arts in Health specialists.

the Tonic Arts team
Sanctuary detail © Lindsay Perth, photo by Rebecca Milling

Arts and Health

Arts and Health is the field of activity which not only describes arts programmes in hospitals, but also the work of arts therapists, researchers, curators and those working on improving health and wellbeing in the community through the arts.
Forth Flora © Lorna Fraser, photo by Shannon Tofts

Our Aims

Tonic Arts aims to improve and support health and wellbeing through a vibrant creativity and arts programme, enhancing the patient, […]
Glade © NEON, photo by cro+kow

Our Impact

Compelling evidence demonstrates that access to and participation in the arts are vital components of our wellbeing, contributing enormously to […]

Get involved

If you are interested in the arts and believe that they can have a positive impact in hospital environments, there are many ways you can get involved.